Redfish Lake, Sawtooth National Forest, ID

 Welcome to Redfish Lake, established and built in 1929, nestled in the heart of the majestic Sawtooth Mountains and one of the true gems of the northwest! The largest lake at over 4 miles long, is called Redfish Lake because of the bright red sockeye salmon, once prolific and native to the area. Boasting rugged peaks, pristine alpine lakes, and breathtaking vistas at every turn, the Sawtooth National Forest and Wilderness area is a hiker’s paradise. Each hike promises unforgettable scenery and the chance to immerse yourself in the raw beauty of Idaho’s wilderness.

SAMPLE ITINERARY

Day 1

Redfish Lake Lodge, Sawtooth National Forest:

Distance: ~70 miles (113km), 1.5hr drive, Elevation: 6,550′ (1996m)

Your trip begins in Hailey, ID, “Idaho’s Hometown in the Mountains”, is situated in the heart of the Wood River Valley amidst the majestic Central Idaho Rockies. The community is 11miles south of the resort towns of Ketchum and Sun Valley and lies at the edge of the Sawtooth and Challis National Forests. Depending on your arrival time, we will do a short hike in the afternoon before you settle into your “Cabin,” and relax after your flight. As our day turns to evening, we take a short walk to the Redfish Lodge Restaurant for the first of five group dinners.

Day 2 

Hell Roaring Creek Trail to Hell Roaring Lake, Sawtooth National Forest:

Distance: ~11 miles (18km), Elevation Gain: 780′ (238m)

Hell Roaring Creek Trail is a moderately challenging hiking trail that leads to the stunning Hell Roaring Lake, a high-altitude body of water surrounded by towering peaks. The trail is well-marked and winds through a dense forest of pine and fir trees. It offers views of the Sawtooth Mountains and crosses several small streams before reaching the lake. The trail also passes by a series of cascading waterfalls, a highlight for many hikers. Hikers should be prepared for a variety of weather conditions, as the trail's high altitude can bring sudden changes. Despite its challenges, Hell Roaring Creek Trail offers rewarding views and a peaceful escape in the Idaho wilderness. We will return to Redfish Lodge to relax and unwind after a good day on the trail.

Day 3 

Pettit Lake Trail to Alice Lake: Sawtooth Wilderness

Distance: ~12 miles (19km), Elevation Gain: 1,673′ (510m)

The hike will begin along Pettit Lake trail. The hike to Alice Lake is a steady climb, combined with creek crossings, rocky terrain and high elevation may make for slow going. Alice Lake is a beautiful alpine lake and a crown jewel of day hikes in the Sawtooth Wilderness. Once there we will stop to eat lunch or snacks, relax while enjoying the unique views and towering mountain peak that stands guard over the lake.

Day 4 

Saddleback Lakes:

Distance: ~8 miles (14km),  Elevation Gain: 2,129′ (649m)

The adventure starts by taking an ~8min boat shuttle across Redfish Lake. The feeling of leaving a busy shoreline on a boat heading towards towering mountains and certain adventure makes for an exciting moment. Once across the lake at its southern end (Redfish Inlet Transfer Camp), the hike to Saddleback Lakes begins. The first 2 miles is on established trail into the beautiful Sawtooth Wilderness. While not an official Forest Service trail, the route to Saddleback is a relatively short and steep hike (the steepest in the Sawtooth’s) that makes this a nice day trip. We encounter the first of two water crossings after the turn off from the main hiking trail that leads to the lakes. The Saddleback Lakes trail is steep indistinct and braided at times and becomes easier to follow higher up. The trail follows the base of the slabs beneath the west face of Elephants Perch and then crosses the Saddleback Lakes drainage just before the first lake. The stunning southwest face of the Elephants Perch towers over granite slabs that slip directly into the waters of the lake. 

Day 5 

Redfish Lake trail to Alpine Lake

Distance: ~11 miles (18km), Elevation Gain: 1,893′ (577m)

Redfish Lake trail to Alpine Lake is the epitome of a Sawtooth hike: scenic peaks and high mountain lakes, a beautiful trail, creeks and small waterfalls, crystal clear water, it’s a great hiking destination.

Again, our adventure starts with the ~8min boat shuttle across Redfish Lake. Once across the lake, the first three miles of the hike takes us through dazzling meadows, creeks and impressive rock gardens. When we start the climb up to Alpine Lake, only two miles away, there are also 22 steep switchbacks. Great views of Redfish Lake along with towering peaks on either side of the creek and a dense blanket of trees that covers the bottom half of both mountains come into view when we start gaining elevation. Alpine Lake rests at 8,345' and with the views and clear water, it's easy to see why Alpine Lake is a "must hike". 

Day 6

Ketchum/Sun Valley, Idaho

Distance: ~70miles (113km), 1.5hr drive, Elevation: 1,784′ (544m)

We will enjoy our last breakfast together at the Redfish Lake Lodge before we head out. Our drive back through the breathtaking Sawtooth National Forest and peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains will remind us just what a hidden gem Redfish Lake Lodge really is. With a stop to fuel up at “Java on Fourth”, to relax and wander around, your trip ends where it began, the picturesque town of Ketchum.

Please schedule all home bound flights for after 2 pm.